Glad BS intends to visit England. Fears there will be few geologists in London in August. Would be truly glad to see BS at Down, but cannot offer much geological information respecting England.

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Down Farnborough Kent

July 4th

Dear Sir

On my return home from Oxford, I found your interesting & obliging letter,
which by an unfortunate mistake had not been forwarded to me at Oxford, &
consequently I did not make acquaintance with your friend & countryman. I have,
also heard that the pamphlet, which you have been so kind as
to give me, has arrived at Park St. (my Brother's house) & I shall get
it at the end of this week.— I am very glad to hear that you purpose coming to
England & I hope that your tour may be in every way successful. I fear that
there will be few, or no geologists in London in the middle of August: Mr
Lyell has gone into Scotland; Sir R. Murchison, I believe, starts soon for
France, & the officers of the Geological Survey will no doubt be at
work.— I have some hopes Mr Sharpe may be then in London,
& he would be able to give you much information about N. Wales;
& I will write to him tomorrow to enquire about his plans. Prof. Sedgwick, who
knows more than anyone of Wales is scarcely ever in London for more than a day or
two.—

My house is 18 miles from London; & if you can spare the time I shall
be truly glad to see you here & will give you all the advice in my
power. I shall be at home, I am almost sure, all August: early in September, I shall be
absent though only for a short time. I am, however, sorry to say that you could not
apply to a worse person for geological information respecting England than myself;
shortly after my return from my long voyage, I had a tedious & severe illness,
& I have never since recovered my strength & suppose I never shall.
since I have never geologised in any part of England, not even near my own house. I
appear quite well, but from being a strong man, I am become incapable of any continued
muscular exertion; or indeed of much exertion of mind, for even conversation, if it
excites me, tires me in a very short time, so that I am compelled to live a most retired
life. What little assistance I can give, I will give with the greatest pleasure,
& shall be able anyhow to introduce you to more useful guides. I must apologise
for troubling you with so many particulars about myself, but I thought it better to
forewarn you that I am incapable of being of much service.— If you will be so
good as to write to me, as soon as you arrive in England, or soon before, telling me
where I can address you in London, I will answer you immediately & if you would
like to come here at once I will direct you the best way. In the mean time I will think
of people to whom to introduce you.— I may, perhaps, be able to lend you some
books on English Geology, to carry with you on your tour.— I hope you are able
to speak some English, for I confess with very much shame, that I cannot speak, though
able to read with perfect ease, French.—